Summary

Completing a yoga teacher training is a big step in life but attending an advanced 300h course is taking your teaching to another level altogether. It's not only about becoming a better and more skilled teacher. The advanced course offers a unique experience in understanding the depth of yoga with all its facets. Our course offers a special opportunity to evolve physically, emotionally and spiritually.

Every practice that was designed by the sages and yogis of the past was intended to cause an inner transformation, it was intended to accelerate a person’s evolution in order to attain an expanded awareness of the joy and bliss which is essentially our true nature. Yoga is much more than stretching the body and feeling good or even calm. When taken to its conclusion it will cause a paradigm shift and an opening of body and mind which enables you to view yourself in a completely altered way – where you perceive the joy of being a part of the universal harmony, realizing that you are already worthy and whole.

In one month of intensive probing into the yogic practices, philosophy, therapy, anatomy, ayurveda and chakra healing you will gather tools which will remain with you for the rest of your life and allow you to develop a profound understanding of how to give yourself and your students the best yoga can offer.

A carefully selected peaceful location in South India - the perfect setting for a yoga training

Completely change your lifestyle with the delicious healthy South Indian food you’ll get during the entire training

Expand and deepen your yoga teaching skills and take them to the next level

Full Description

Unique Features Of The Advanced Course

Asana Practice

Asana practice forms a central part of yoga teaching and as a teacher, you would want to experience the asanas in order to make informed choices for your students. You will practice 108 asanas while on the course, learn about the asana families, how to refine asanas, how to safely transition in and out of asanas and learn about the constituent elements of asanas. Surya Namaskar or sun salutation is often a focal point in asana classes and we will cover a detailed analysis of this great sequence, including the history, the benefits of each of the poses, the chakra affected by each part of the sequence, mantras to be used as well as the underlying symbolism of the same.

The Practices

Our mornings will start with a set of specific breathing techniques including bandhas to increase our vital energy and calm the mind. Followed by meditation, kiirtan and the morning asana practice it will set the tone for a vibrant yogic day. You will learn about balancing your energy, learn how to increase it, remove blocked energy and use excess energy. Mudras or gestures, both hand, and bodily gestures will be covered too. An important part of the course will be working with the chakras: you will practice chakra yoga classes, learn about chakra healing and how to use asanas for each chakra in order to advance your evolution. A workshop including visualization techniques for Yoga Nidra is one of the highlights of the course.

Yoga Teaching

The most creative aspect of yoga teaching is sequencing. You will learn about traditional approaches to asana sequencing, the five principles of sequencing, sequencing for each chakra, how to create theme-based classes and how to set an intention for a class. We will also have workshops aimed at developing your observation skills and correct posture alignment. Detailed adjustment and assisting workshops will allow you to develop your asana teaching skills. We will share ideas on how to integrate a variety of meditation techniques and how to introduce philosophy in your yoga classes. Several asana classes will be dedicated to discovering new yoga styles and examining their sequencing.

Ayurveda

Our Ayurveda lecturer will provide a deeper insight into the connection of yoga and Ayurveda, how disease happens, and how Ayurveda treats body, mind, and soul, not only to cure a disease but to achieve an optimum state which allows a person to thrive. We will examine the 6 tastes and the digestive process, the methods of integration such as Reduction therapy, Detoxification therapy, and Tonification. We'll discover the three doshas and the life regimes for each.

Yoga Therapy

Usually, yoga therapy is taught with a focus on only the gross, physical body. Our approach is different and unique, as we look at the effects of yoga asanas, etc. on the subtle body – chakras and glands, as well as the prana pathways.

Learn how to apply asanas to the 20 most common diseases, in the light of biopsychology. We will not only identify asanas for the morning and evening practice but also identify necessary lifestyle changes (sleep, work, relationships, exercise, diet and additional yogic techniques – fasting, kriyas, mudra, meditation, bandhas) and how they should be adapted to various conditions.

Special Needs Training

The special needs training will allow you to learn more about creating classes for people who have certain conditions, such as depression and anxiety, migraines and headaches, asthma, diabetes, backache and more.

History

The history of yoga is fascinating and full of surprises, twists, and turns. You will get an overview of the six schools of Indian philosophy, learn about Tantra and the Indo-Aryan civilization, about Kashmiri Shaivism, Rasayana and the ancient alchemists of India. You may be surprised to learn that Hatha yoga has emerged from the Tantric lore and that Shiva has influenced Hinduism, Jainism and Buddhism. The teachings and life of Krishna will be explored too.

Philosophy

The philosophy of yoga is closely related to the practices and this is how we approach the study of this subject. These lectures will examine the four stages of sadhana, the three stages of psychic evolution, the various types of bhakti, the four states of consciousness and foster a deeper understanding of the kundalini and nada yoga. You will also be introduced to the seven secrets of success as given by Shiva.

The Science of Tantra

Tantra has had a profound effect on the development of yoga, hence we will look at the link of the two, discuss the seven stages of Samadhi, learn about Tantra Shastra and Tantra Sadhana, the three branches of Tantra as well as the importance of Sanskrit language in Tantric practices and Nada yoga.

Business Skills and Self-Development

We will help with ideas on how to speak about what you are doing and other important aspects of yoga teaching such as communication skills, presentation skills, how to organize a workshop, how to organize and conduct a yoga retreat and how to find your dharma and contribute to the world.

Anatomy and Physiology (inc. subtle anatomy)

The anatomy of yoga is quite specific as it is concerned greatly with subtle anatomy. We will examine the following:

The endocrine glands and the effect on our psyche

The nervous system (with emphasis on understanding the autonomous nervous system – consisting of the sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous system). Here we will also look at the inter-relatedness of the spine with the inner organs via the sympathetic and parasympathetic nerve fibers. And how asanas improve the functioning of the inner organs directly and indirectly (via the spine, i.e. the sympathetic and parasympathetic nerve fibers)

The lymphatic system and lymphatic drainage techniques

Exploring how we make the connection between the prana system, respiratory system, mind and nervous system

Holistic anatomy – how to see the body as a whole rather than consisting of parts

Epigenetics

Food

Wholesome Meals

As part of the yoga retreats package three buffet-style, organic vegetarian meals will be served daily. The produce comes from the villa's own garden. The cuisine is a South-Indian ogic diet, flavourful but not too spicy.

Enjoy some of the organically grown fruits and vegetables from the garden with our compliments.

Location

Yoga Villa

Our yoga retreat venue is a beautiful villa near the model community Auroville in South India. It is located nearly 2 miles away from the Auroville Beach. A long private driveway leads you to the 4500sq ft villa set in grounds of 1.5 acres.

The villa is built in the traditional kerala style using rammed earth. This eco-friendly method of construction results in a structure that is naturally cool throughout the year.

The house has 4 bedrooms with private bathrooms, a family room, a large kitchen and utility and an open terrace. The large central courtyard acts as a focal point of the villa allowing for natural light and ventilation.

The villa is simply decorated yet has all the comforts of home.The house is sufficiently away from the main road to keep out the noise and ensure almost total silence.

What Makes This Retreat Special

Upon completion of the course you will receive an internationally recognized diploma from the Himalayan Yoga Institute. The title you receive upon completion of the standard course is ‘Yoga Sikshaka’ (yoga teacher), whereas upon completion of the advanced course you receive the title of 'Yoga Vaidya' (expert of yoga).

Excursions and Culture

There are three places which will be explored while on the course. The first one Mahabalipuram, with its magnificent stone carvings and the Shore temple, will be visited on the arrival day itself as it is located on the way from Chennai (your port of arrival) to our venue. There will be two excursion days during the course. On the first excursion day we will visit Auroville and Pondicherry. There is lots to be seen in Auroville as it is a model community with projects ranging from sustainable living to the future cultural, environmental, social and spiritual needs of mankind. On the second excursion day will visit the ancient town of Tiruvannamalai with the now famous Ramanashram and Shiva temple.

South India abounds in art, sculpture, dance, music and colourful festivals. We recommend that you stay on after the course and explore the rich cultural heritage of this part of India.

What our students are saying

"The accommodation and facilities were fantastic. Ganga's philosophy classes had fascinating depth and had a nice balance of storytelling and personal anecdotes - very inspiring. Her workshops and practical classes were always clear and informative and her asana classes were just great.”
Rachel Middleton, London, UK (Advanced YTT, South India, March 2016)

FREE Gift(if you book with BookRetreats.com)

CLICK HERE TO ASK THE OWNER A QUESTION

Teachers

Ganga Devi is a spiritual teacher and the founder/director of the Himalayan Yoga Institute.

She has been practicing and teaching yoga and meditation for nearly 30 years and has been the prime disciple of a Himalayan yoga master who passed away in 2009.

As the successor of her teacher, a highly advanced yogi, she was given the task to continue his work and legacy at the ashram, which he had started in the 1990's in a small, traditional village of Kullu Valley, tucked away in the Himalayan mountains of India.

The Himalayan Yoga Institute is dedicated to the life and work of Ganga's yoga master with the purpose of serving the many people who are flocking to the practices of yoga and meditation in order to find peace, health, fulfillment and a deep sense of joy.

She discovered yoga in 1988 while writing her final thesis at university and preparing for a career as an interpreter and a high school professor of German language and literature.

Her life was to take a different direction after she came in touch with the ancient yogic science.

After receiving initiation into the spiritual path of yogic meditation in the year 1988, she decided to spend time in India and deepen her practice.

There she discovered that Indian classical dance and music was a complementary pursuit and actually a yoga in itself.

Her background in various other styles of dance, ballet, and contemporary styles, had provided a vast background and strong basis to embark on the path of two parallel careers: that of a yoga and meditation teacher as well as a performing dance artist.

While in India she devoted herself to the in-depth study of a variety of subjects, including Eastern metaphysics, philosophy, Sanskrit, several living Indian languages, vocal music, percussion, the art of abhinaya (mimic or expressive dance), Indian classical dance and yoga.

Today she devotes her time to serious seekers and also teaches yoga for beginners, to people who want to learn more about the time-tested practice of yoga.

She has worked as the director of a yoga center in Northern California, USA, for five years and has taught yoga to youth, adults, and children.

She was actively involved in community service as well, teaching yoga to inmates, university students and at various health and women's centers.

For 7 years she led the life of formal renunciation or sannyasi, as a yogic nun.

She has furthermore taught classes, workshops, and seminars on yoga, diet and lifestyle in India, Germany, Croatia and the UK.

She is a senior yoga instructor of the highest level registered with Yoga Alliance (E-RYT 500) and is the principal teacher of the Himalayan Yoga Institute.

She adapts the style of yoga (Hatha, Dynamic Vinyasa, Restorative, Sivananda, and Tantra Yoga) to individual needs and offers services as a life coach as well, offering life and spiritual coaching sessions.

Ganga Devi has been sharing her wealth of knowledge on teacher training courses for many years, guiding yoga students who desire to take the next step and assisting them in becoming well-rounded, competent, knowledgeable, intuitive and confident yoga teachers.

She also organizes yoga retreat vacations, in beautiful, natural settings, in India, Croatia, France and the UK, providing opportunities to regenerate and immerse oneself in the life-transforming practices of yoga and meditation.

At present, she lives in London, where she teaches yoga, meditation, and Indian classical dance.

She is very well respected and sought after as a teacher and has developed a unique style of teaching which is a result of a wealth of knowledge and experience gained throughout many years of practice and teaching yoga to a variety of people with different needs and levels of ability.

She has produced a CD with kirtan chanting and a devotional music CD with poetry and music for meditation, which are much loved by her yoga students.

Program

The best way to travel is to take a direct international flight to Chennai, the capital of Tamil Nadu. If you arrive by 12 noon you can be part of our pick up which we will organize from Chennai to Pondicherry. In case you are arriving a day prior to the arrival day, you can stay one night in Chennai and we will recommend a guest house where you can spend the night.

The other option is to fly to Delhi and then take a domestic flight from Delhi to Chennai.You will have to get to the domestic airport from the international Indira Gandhi Airport, which is easy as both airports are next to each other.

Arrival and departure

You would want to arrive on the first day of the course by 12 noon at Chennai airport, and depart on the last date in the evening.

When you arrive you will have a chance to relax, unwind and recuperate from your travel. In the evening you’ll get to meet others on the training over dinner and your yoga training' program will start the following morning.

We will organize a group transfer from the airport in Chennai on the arrival day at about 12.00 noon. In case you are arriving later on that day you would have to make your way to the yoga house on your own, however, we can help with contact details of a taxi company we use.

Reviews by

Dianara

- Aug 15th, 2017 -

I felt very peaceful from the arrival to the end, because of the special spirit of Ganga Devi. She blessed my life with joy and belief in a better world. The location (Losinj, Croatia), the house and the food (Sattvic) completed the perfection and quality of the time with Ganga Devi and the deep work done on me during my stay there. I will miss everything! The teaching method of Himalayan Yoga Institute is so useful, clear and safe like I have never seen before... I recommend Rajadhiraja Yoga to all because of the asanas and of the spiritual vigor.

Location

Accommodation

Food

Service

Teachers

Program Quality

Value

Britton

- Aug 10th, 2017 -

Himalayan Yoga Institute’s 200 hour yoga teacher training was truly life-changing. Ganga Devi is a wealth of knowledge, inspiration, patience, and love. I came to the course in hopes of deepening my knowledge of yoga and building a firm foundation for teaching - I left with so much more. The breadth and depth of information was overwhelming in the most positive sense. Ganga covered everything from philosophy, physiology, biopsychology, anatomy, history, sattvic diet, mudras, bandhas, kriyas, pranayama and breath work, meditation and of course asanas (including but not limited to alignment, benefits and adjustments). It is evident that Ganga is not simply teaching this information for the sake of transferring knowledge — she is authentically passionate about inspiring others to live life to the fullest through Rajadhiraja Yoga.

Location

Accommodation

Food

Service

Teachers

Program Quality

Value

Accommodation

Shared Room - one room shared by up to 5 people

USD$2868

One room shared by up to 5 people (same gender)​.

Triple Room - up to 3 people sharing one room

USD$3128

One room shared by up to 3 people (same gender)​.

Double Room

USD$3389

One room shared by two people of the same gender with an ensuite bathroom - twin beds.

Single accommodation - available on special request, subject to availability (very limited).

Surrounding Area

Near the Beach

Forest

Close to Nature

Additional

Weather information

December - February: 28 degrees Celsius, 82 degrees Fahrenheit

Seasonal information

While the weather can't be predicted, in January and February it's usually most pleasant with soothingly cool nights and warm days. January and February are the coolest months in tropical South India.

Responsible travel

Long trousers and tops with short and long sleeves are best to wear while out and about. When visiting temples it is absolutely necessary to cover legs and upper bodies fully with a shawl - for women (or wear one of those beautiful sariis) and men must wear long trousers or the traditional Indian lungi (long skirt).

Please be sensitive to the local culture and dress modestly. Always cover your legs (long trousers, no skirts), your belly and wear short- or long-sleeved upper body clothing. You may want to pick up some of the beautiful Indian clothing called Salwar Kamiz, consisting of pants and a dress in the local shops or bring them with you from London (they can be bought in Indian stores across the city).

Electricity and outlets

Electrical adaptors: South India operates on 220V, the same 2 prong plugs as Europe, which are different from the UK ones, so you may want to bring an electrical converter plug.

How to get there (flights, airport transfers, buses, trains)

We recommend flying to Chennai International airport and take a taxi from Chennai to the venue - we will recommend a taxi company once you let us know your travel itinerary.

We may be able to organize a minibus from Chennai to our venue for all participants. Please send us a written confirmation of interest to take part in this. Emails will be shared after everyone has paid the balance.

Visa stuff

You will need a valid Tourist visa to enter India. To obtain this you will need to contact your local Indian High Commission, fill in the application form, which is usually available to download online, and take it to them or send it in along with the required fee. This can take up to 10 business days (i.e. two weeks) and your visa is activated from the day you get it rather than upon entry into the country. When stating your purpose on your visa form it is best to say Tourism.
Your passport has to be valid for at least another six months.

What to bring

Yoga mat - please, bring your own mat

Alarm clock

Money: It is best to exchange cash to rupees, the Indian currency, at the airport, and there are also some ATMs within a 15 minute taxi ride from Ropa. You would want to have some funds on your arrival, which you can purchase at your airport of departure, however rupees are not to be taken out of India on your return. For the up to date exchange rate see www.xe.com

Electrical adaptors: South India operates on 220V, the same 2 prong plugs as Europe, which are different from the UK ones, so you may want to bring an electrical converter plug.

Torch / flashlight: Power outages are frequent in India and part of the charm but you might want some help seeing in the dark.

Earplugs: If you are a sensitive sleeper, you may want to bring them along, even if it is just the snoring of your room mate, that may make its way to your ears.

Sunscreen: You will need to take care against the strong sun, especially when arriving from winter.

Clothing: please be sensitive to the local culture and dress modestly. Always cover your legs (long trousers, no skirts), your belly and wear short- or long-sleeved upper body clothing. You may want to pick up some of the beautiful Indian clothing called Salwar Kamiz, consisting of pants and a dress in the local shops or bring them with you from London (they can be bought in Indian stores across the city).​

A copy of your visa, passport and plane ticket should be kept separately from your luggage.

Travel insurance suggestions

We recommend that you get a travel insurance in case of the unforeseen. You may check companies such as World Nomads, InsureMyTrip or TravelGuard offering travel insurance in case of trip cancellations due to unexpected events.

Center

The Logo of the Himalayan Yoga Institute is a representation of the heart chakra with its 12 petals and a blooming lotus at its center symbolizing the awakening of spiritual love and awareness.

Finding our way back to our heart allows us to realize the power, beauty and innate wisdom of our inner self.

We are based in London but will take you on ouryoga teacher training courses and personal development yoga retreats to the Himalayas in India and to the most enchanting islands of Croatia.

We maintain small class sizes to make sure that all of our students, whatever they are learning, get plenty of personal attention.

Our highly knowledgeable teachers and practitioners draw on nearly three decades of experience with yoga practice.

We work across a range of styles and disciplines and offer a whole host of experiences for our students in the form of specialist yoga teacher training courses as well as yoga retreats mastering the 7 powers of personal transformation.

Area

Why use BookRetreats.com?

Best price guarantee.

Handpicked retreats. Only high quality retreats make it onto our site.

Reliable customer support. We're here for you throughout the process.

We care. We're yogis just like you. Just doing our part.

No fees. We don’t charge any booking fees if you book through us. None.

Flexible payment. To reserve your spot you only need to pay a deposit.

You don’t need to create an account. You're in control of your booking.

Bank-level security for transactions. You’re safe with us.

FREE cancellation options. Many of our retreats offer the option of free cancellation.

Cancellation policy

Strict

BookRetreats allows retreat owners to choose among three standardized cancellation policies (Flexible, Moderate, and Strict) that we've created in order to make cancellations clear. If these don't fit the retreat owner, they are allowed to choose their own custom policy.

All deposits are non-refundable.

The remaining balance (total price - deposit) is due within 60 days of arrival. The remaining balance is non-refundable once paid.